System and method for reserving information handling system battery charge to perform diagnostics

Abstract

A power diagnostics module running on an information handling system initiates a power down state of the information handling system upon detection of a predetermined battery charge that is sufficient to allow the information handling system to recover from the power down state and run the power diagnostics module. The power diagnostics module runs on the predetermined charge to diagnose faults associated with the power system, such as failure of an external AC adapter, and to present the faults to an end user, such as at a display, with LEDs or through a network message.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates in general to the field of information handling system diagnostics, and more particularly to a system and method for reserving information handling system battery charge to perform diagnostics.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and / or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and systems for diagnosis of portable information handling system failures. An information handling system transitions to a power down state with sufficient charge remaining in a battery to run a power diagnostics module. The power diagnostics module analyzes operation of the power subsystem and indicates faults so that an end user can discern whether a failure of the information handling system relates to the power system even if insufficient power remains to bring the information handling system to an operational state.

[0010]The present invention provides a number of important technical advantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that diagnosis of a portable information handling system failure is enabled where the failure prevents power up of the information handling system. For instance, battery power for supporting operation of a diagnostic program at the information handling system allows reading of diagnostic codes to identify the failure even where insufficient power remains to bring the information handling system to a normal operating state, such as where a non-functional AC adapter has resulted in a battery charge insufficient to recover the system. Diagnostics are run with minimal power to read existing codes, test for additional failures and communicate identified failure codes to the end user, such as with LED codes, a network connection to a support location or a minimally powered display presentation. Rapid and correct identification of power subsystem failures ensures that proper corrective action will be available with minimal cost and delay.

Problems solved by technology

For instance, battery power for supporting operation of a diagnostic program at the information handling system allows reading of diagnostic codes to identify the failure even where insufficient power remains to bring the information handling system to a normal operating state, such as where a non-functional AC adapter has resulted in a battery charge insufficient to recover the system.

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